NANCHANG, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Over 2,000 pairs of mandarin ducks have flown to Wuyuan County in east China's Jiangxi Province, Asia's largest habitat for these wild birds, to spend the winter.

Mandarin Duck Lake, designated a nature reserve by the provincial government, has a water area of over 253 hectares. It is a popular habitat for migratory birds during winter. It is estimated that 2,800 to 3,000 pairs of mandarin ducks will come this year, according to staff at the scenic area.

The migratory birds usually come in late September and stay until mid-April.

The mandarin duck is a national second-class protected animal in China.